Colbert's Farewell Gesture Leads CBS to Charity Donation
WHO:
Alternet - Stephen Colbert, host of "The Late Show"
Alternet - CBS, the network airing "The Late Show"
Alternet - Chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen
Alternet - Jason Mendelson, chairman of Lee Mendelson Film Productions (LMFP)
WHAT:
Alternet - CBS has reached a licensing agreement with Lee Mendelson Film Productions for an undisclosed amount, with proceeds to be donated to World Central Kitchen.
The Guardian - The licensing agreement was made to avoid further legal trouble regarding the use of the song "Linus and Lucy," which was performed on air during Colbert's final episode.
The Guardian - The company had recently taken legal actions over the unlicensed use of Guaraldi’s Peanuts music by an apparel accessories manufacturer, a video game producer, a collectibles auction house, and the US Department of the Interior.
Alternet - CBS reached a licensing agreement with Lee Mendelson Film Productions for an undisclosed amount, with proceeds to be donated to World Central Kitchen.
The Guardian - Colbert donated $2.5 million to World Central Kitchen during the penultimate episode of "The Late Show."
Billboard - The licensing agreement was made to avoid legal trouble regarding the use of the song "Linus and Lucy," which was performed on air during Colbert's final episode.
Alternet - Colbert gave a parting gift during his final episode of "The Late Show"
Alternet - CBS agreed to pay for a license for the song "Linus and Lucy" to avoid legal trouble
Alternet - Proceeds from the licensing deal will be donated to World Central Kitchen
Alternet - Colbert's campaign to sell items from the "Late Show" set raised nearly $2.5 million for World Central Kitchen
Billboard - Colbert jokingly expressed concern that playing the song would "cost CBS any money"
WHERE:
Alternet - The "Late Show" set, where Colbert's items were sold
Alternet - The song "Linus and Lucy" is associated with the Peanuts cartoons by Charles Schulz
WHEN:
Alternet - The licensing agreement was reported on a Tuesday (exact date not specified)
WHY:
Alternet - Jason Mendelson, chairman of Lee Mendelson Film Productions, stated that a principal goal of their enforcement actions is to educate individuals, businesses, and government entities about the need to obtain written license agreements to use music in a commercial setting.
The Guardian - The licensing agreement was part of a broader legal enforcement by Lee Mendelson Film Productions, which had recently taken legal actions against various entities for unauthorized use of Vince Guaraldi's Peanuts music.
Alternet - The licensing agreement was made to avoid further legal trouble regarding copyright enforcement by LMFP
HOW:
Alternet - The chairman of Lee Mendelson Film Productions, Jason Mendelson, stated that the company found the music's use on "The Late Show" to be "funny and entertaining" and aimed to educate about the need for written license agreements for music use in commercial settings.
Alternet - CBS reached an agreement with LMFP to obtain a license for the use of the song "Linus and Lucy"
(UPDATED June 17, 2026 12:23 UTC)
CBS has secured a licensing agreement with Lee Mendelson Film Productions, with the proceeds set to benefit World Central Kitchen. This agreement comes in response to legal actions taken by the company over the unauthorized use of the song "Linus and Lucy," which was featured during Colbert's final episode, and follows similar actions against various entities including an apparel manufacturer and the US Department of the Interior. Jason Mendelson, chairman of Lee Mendelson Film Productions, emphasized that their enforcement efforts aim to educate individuals and businesses about the importance of obtaining written licenses for commercial music use.
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(UPDATED June 17, 2026 06:44 UTC)
CBS has reached a licensing agreement with Lee Mendelson Film Productions, with proceeds set to be donated to World Central Kitchen, following a performance of "Linus and Lucy" on Stephen Colbert's final episode. In a generous move, Colbert donated $2.5 million to World Central Kitchen during the penultimate episode of "The Late Show," highlighting his commitment to the cause. Jason Mendelson, chairman of Lee Mendelson Film Productions, noted that while they found the music's use entertaining, the agreement serves to educate about the importance of securing written licenses for music in commercial contexts.
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(UPDATED June 16, 2026 21:53 UTC)
In a heartfelt farewell during his final episode of "The Late Show," Stephen Colbert presented a parting gift that included a licensing agreement for the beloved song "Linus and Lucy," ensuring CBS could use it without legal issues. The proceeds from this licensing deal will be donated to World Central Kitchen, following Colbert's successful campaign that raised nearly $2.5 million by selling items from the show's set. Colbert humorously noted his concern that playing the song might "cost CBS any money," but the agreement with Lee Mendelson Film Productions ultimately paved the way for this memorable moment.